Ann Radcliffe's novel The Romance of the Forest is a Gothic romance with a fairy tale ending. Distressed heroine Adeline is introduced as an unloved and unwanted orphan. As she is forced to run from those who would have her killed, Adeline meets and loses the love of her life. All is well at the end of the story, however, as Adeline learns she is indeed the daughter of a wealthy marquis. She uses her influence to save Theodore, her true love, from a death sentence, and the two are reunited and married at the conclusion of the novel.

La Motte "adopts" Adeline when he is told by some bandits he must either take her off their hands or die. La Motte, his family and Adeline take refuge in a deserted abbey because the La Mottes are running from creditors in Paris. The abbey is owned by the Marquis, who takes a liking to Adeline. He uses information against La Motte to ensure Adeline will be his. With the help of her true suitor, Theodore, Adeline runs away from the Marquis. When the Marquis sees the seal Adeline put on a letter to Theodore, he realizes she is his half niece. At this point the Marquis has Theodore thrown into jail for leaving his regiment of the army. The Marquis then attempts to convince La Motte to murder Adeline.

In the last section of the novel, Adeline learns her true identity. She is the daughter of the Marquis's half-brother, whom the Marquis paid to have killed. As a result, Adeline becomes the heiress of a large amount of money. At this point Adeline begs for a total pardon for Theodore. She also manages to have La Motte's sentence reduced from a death sentence to banishment. In the end of the novel Adeline and Theodore are married, and the two live happily.